Next-Generation
Networks (NGN)
Regulatory
Overview
Dr.Tracy Cohen
Councillor, ICASA
The views expressed in this presentation do not necessarily represent the views of ICASA.
Defining NGNs
• Broadband networks that use
IP and allow integrated data,
voice and video
(VoIP, IPTV,VoD)
• Core and access NGN
• Migration (OECD)
• 2012 – fixed; 2020 – mobile
• Technology choices and
services not linked
• Unfettered, ubiquitous access
• Very fast access to an end-toend IP based network
BcN
BcN
(Korea
(Korea
Telecom)
Telecom)
21CN
21CN
(BT)
(BT)
RENA
RENA
(NTT)
(NTT)
TGN
TGN
(Deutsche
(Deutsche
Telekom)
Telekom)
Packet based, IP based,
multi-service networks
No single set of NGN
standards
(but work underway,
e.g. ETSI, ITU-T, NGN-GSI)
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Extracting Essentials
• Possible co-existence of regulatory approaches for PSTN
and IP-based networks
• What regulatory approach?
• New? Legacy? Hybrid model?
• An opportunity to review (and where necessary) remedy the
regulatory framework
• New technology, old regulatory challenges
• NGN development linked to national broadband policy
• NGNs in developing and developed countries
• Affordability and access
• Degree of competition
• Pace and manner of reform
NGN Drivers
Operators
Reduce costs;
increase revenue;
increase productivity;
operational efficiency;
diversity of offerings;
increased competition;
redundant legacy equip;
consumer demand…
End Users
High end, innovative,
evolving services
supported by large
bandwidth capacity;
multiplay; broadband
Internet; TV; mobile
services; telephony,
pricing; mobility…
New Entrants
Reduce costs;
increase revenue;
operational efficiency;
diversity of offerings;
increased competition;
consumer demand;
investment decisions…
Technological innovation; Convergence; legacy equipment replacement; mobility,
structural market changes; changes in services and user needs; equipment manufacturing
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NGN Challenges
Operators
Integrity and cost of
equipment; ROI concerns
for existing investments;
Uncertainty - technology
specifics; take-up; demand;
managing competition
from the Internet and new
entrants; QoS; regulatory risk
End Users
New Entrants
Degree/intensity of
competition between
layers; integrity and cost
of equipment; uncertainty;
market dominance; take-up;
demand; walled gardens;
managing competition
from incumbents; QoS;
costs of compliance;
regulatory risk
Consumer issues;
Interoperability;
Quality of service (QoS);
access and affordability:
Supply; privacy; security
Regulatory Approach
What/who
to regulate?
Market
Power/
dominance
?
Timing
Sequencing
Emerging
services/
markets
Investment
Regulatory Instruments?
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Implementation
• No framework for NGNs
• Current principles aimed at
circuit switched space
• Different country contexts
will inform
• Clear rules required
• Recognise convergence
• Balanced and proportional
regulation
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Competition
Interconnection
Universal service and access
Standards and interoperability
Licensing
Numbering
Spectrum assignment
Consumer protection
CONSULTATION
CONSULTATION
e.g.
e.g.“NGN
“NGNco”
co”- -UK
UK
“NGN
“NGNeCo”eCo”-India
India
Recommendations
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Start thinking about processes and consult widely
Facilitate competition and growth in services
Encourage competitive market based outcomes
Monitor market power in new services/markets
Traditional PSTN approach is futile
Technology and service agnostic approach, unified licencing
Pursue universal service goals efficiently
Educate consumers and ensure participation
Maintain PSTN operation and legacy PSTN until full migration
Create reasonable certainty for the sector
Explore co and self-regulation options
Balance roles of regulator and market
Plan, time and sequence reform optimally
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SHUKRAN
Dr. Tracy Cohen
tcohen@icasa.org.za
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